[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] Address to Congress

Day 1,223, 10:21 Published in Switzerland Switzerland by Ministry of Foreign Affairs CH



Distinguished Congress Members,


Let me first of all congratulate you on your election. As a newly elected Congress Member, you are entrusted with legislative and supervising prerogatives.

This mandate entails not only rights and prerogatives, but also duties and responsibilities. Although not appointed by the legislative body, the government is constitutionally answerable to the parliament. In return, the parliament is accountable to the people. Live up to our citizens’ expectations. The Congress is notably expected to enact the necessary measures to safeguard national security. Always keep the higher good of the country in view.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is my duty to address the Congress on foreign policy issues and share with you my concern over the prevailing confusion.

The Government of Switzerland and Austria recently reached agreement on the opening of a Training War. We agreed to coordinate our actions in order to keep the upper hand on the sequence of events and minimize the risk of involuntary conquest.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Austrian authorities on their indefectible loyalty and the Austrian Congress on its exemplary discipline.

Unfortunately, Austrian authorities’ reliability deeply contrasts with the Swiss chaotic legislative process. Our Congress proved unable to pursue a consistent policy line, blowing hot and cold and making our country a highly unpredictable and unreliable partner.

Let me remind you that if the competence to declare war lies with the Congress, this prerogative does not exempt Congressmen from informing the government about their intentions. This does not make it any the less necessary for them to consult Government Members. Governments cannot be expected to lead a war without prior military/diplomatic preparation.

Our country also witnessed acts of disobedience, among which calls for infringement of official battle orders. Congress and Governement Members must realize that these acts are well-known examples of High Treason. They are purely and simply unacceptable.

Austria has clearly been taken hostage by ruthless Congress Members who tried to instrumentalize the Training War in order to pressure domestic political actors. This stratagem is not only disgraceful and offensive; it is also irresponsible and intolerable.

The Swiss Congress clearly exceeded its competences. Commanding the State’s armed forces and determining military policy – including decreeing battle orders – comes within the competence of the executive. The Congress, along with political parties, must refrain from any interference in the operational stage.

The Congress must face up to its responsibilities. Mistakes for which the State is liable were made. The reputation of our country has been severely damaged. Austria already made clear that they won’t let themselves be tempted by another TW with Switzerland. Switzerland has just lost the opportunity of a fruitful long-term partnership with one of its neighbors. The Congress bears full responsibility for that.


Sincerely Yours,

Xeraes
eSwiss Minister of Foreign Affairs